The month of July begins with Venus (goddess of love) Conjunct Jupiter (king of the gods) in the sign Leo (the stage). There is great harmony in the moment and the trick is to make it last…The first half of July contains a string of good aspects, and with Jupiter and Venus in Leo, makes for relative ease. This combination sets the tone for much needed fun. Mars (planet of assertion) is in Cancer (sign of historical roots). Consequently, all acts of self assertion come with a certain amount of personal baggage. During the first half of the month this is not so problematic as long as we keep to a schedule of completing things already set in motion. However, the New Moon on the 16th puts us in a time period which requires initiative. This leaves us with tasks that seem to require more time, energy, and resources than we have at our disposal. The key to making these last two weeks of July work for us is to pace ourselves, doing the most important things first….there will be several projects planned for completion by the end of the month; they’ll take longer. Venus turns Retrograde on the 25th at zero degrees of Virgo.During her 43 day Retrograde cycle we will have the opportunity to review our emotional life, making changes along the way. Past associates show up now either symbolically or actually.
The Full Moon July 1st occurs at 10:19 PM EDT on 9 degrees 55 minutes of Cancer/Capricorn. The Sun is Conjunct Mars (god of war) and the Moon is Conjunct Pluto (our shadow). This Full Moon will emphasize the stress between our emotional roots (Cancer) and our need to accomplish (Capricorn). Cancer is the family and Capricorn is the state. Concerns of personal vs. public good can be in the forefront. What sacrifices are we willing to make for the good of everyone else?
The New Moon on July 15th is on the 23rd degree of Cancer at 9:24 PM EDT. This New Moon is Square Uranus (uniqueness) and Trine Saturn (lord of karma). Mercury (god of information) and Mars (desire) are Conjunct and Opposite Pluto (infinite power). Life is easier for us when we follow a well worn path but there will be interruptions and revolution in the process of getting anything done. The stress and violence inherent in the world situation can be mediated by holding on courageously to a higher value symbolized by the Trine of Mercury/Mars (fervently held thoughts) to Neptune (lord of compassion). With six out of ten planetary deities in water signs (empathy) we will find ourselves surrounded by emotional people for good or ill. Our task is to make sure that our own feelings are harnessed to something positive.
The Sun enters Leo July 22nd at 11:31 PM EDT. The most telling feature of this map is the Sun Conjunct Mercury Trining Saturn, promising hard steady work with progress coming through consistent effort. With the Moon Opposite Uranus and both Square Mars and Pluto we are in for some sudden surprises. This indicates that the general mood of the public (Moon)shifts ground suddenly (Uranus) as a reaction to violence (Mars Opposite Pluto). Residual efforts to placate warring factions may be less successful than we would hope. The next four weeks may be a quiet testing of our emotional stamina and patience.
The Full Moon in Leo/Aquarius is at 7 degrees 55 minutes July 31st at 6:42 AM EDT. This Opposition points to the tension between doing our own thing and working collectively. This, however, is a moment when partnership will have practical value for all of us. The Jupiter/Venus Conjunction Squares Saturn (barriers) indicating that we need to ground our values and wishes in some practical evaluations of our real situation. Mars (force) Trine Saturn (results) shows that consistent effort will bring success, but the Moon having last passed over Pluto and next to pass over Neptune shows that we will have to abandon some long held beliefs in order to grow. The Moon’s Trine to her Node in Libra reminds us that people are necessary component to our development. Our cherished partners and friends are essential to our lives.
